Risk level(s)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA - Exercise a high degree of caution

Travel Health Notice - Zika virus

The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued advice for travellers on the Zika virus, recommending that Canadians practice special health precautions while travelling in affected countries. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to Papua New Guinea. See Health for more information.

Safety and security

Safety and security

Crime

Violent crime is common and often includes the use of firearms or machetes. The Highlands provinces and the cities of Lae and Port Moresby are particularly affected. Exercise a high degree of caution, particularly in commercial and public establishments, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, bars, schools and places of worship, at outdoor recreation events and in other tourist areas. These are preferred targets for criminals because they are often frequented by foreigners.

Travelling alone increases the possibility of being a victim of a crime such as robbery or sexual assault. Consider hiring private security as police capacity to respond to crimes and other incidents is very limited.

On the road

Carjacking occurs in Port Moresby and along the highway between Lae and the Lae Nadzab Airport, particularly in the Two-Mile and Nine-Mile settlement areas. Violent attacks on vehicles travelling on the Highlands Highway also occur, particularly between Goroka and Kainantu. Assailants have, in the past assaulted their victims while robbing them.

Be vigilant while travelling by road. Avoid leaving personal belongings unattended in vehicles, and drive with windows up and doors locked at all times. Avoid travel after dark.

Criminals may demand tolls at illegal roadblocks and can assault you if payment is not made.

ATMs

Be particularly careful if you use an ATM. These are often monitored by criminals and users are followed and robbed of their cash and other belongings.

Women’s safety

Sexual assault, including gang rape, occurs and foreigners have been targeted. If you are a victim of any type of assault, you should seek immediate medical treatment. Women should not travel alone.

Inter-ethnic violence

Inter-ethnic tensions often lead to communal and at times lethal violence, particularly in the Enga and Highlands provinces and in Lae and Port Moresby.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur and could suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.

Bougainville Island

Exercise caution if you travel to the central mountainous area around the old Panguna mine on Bougainville Island. With the exception of the Panguna mine, the general security situation in Bougainville is stable.

There are no tourist facilities in the area, and transportation facilities are limited.

Adventure sports

Trekking

Be vigilant if hiking the Black Cat Track, in the province of Morobe, as attacks on trekkers have occurred in the past.

Security incidents affecting foreigners have also occurred on the Kokoda track. Facilities along the trail are limited.

Road safety

Road conditions are poor and driving can be hazardous, especially outside major towns. Poorly maintained cars, drunk drivers and roads in disrepair increase the safety risks.

Flash floods and landslides may make roads impassable during the rainy season (between October and May).

If you are involved in a traffic accident, proceed directly to the nearest police station rather than remaining at the scene. Crowds tend to form quickly after an incident, and accident victims or on-lookers may attack those they perceive to be responsible.

Public transportation

You should avoid travelling by taxi or on public buses, known as PMVs (public motor vehicles). The vehicles are poorly maintained and a common target for criminals. Whenever possible, arrange for hotel or other private transportation, which are safer alternatives. You should also arrange to be met at the airport, particularly when arriving in the evening.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Vaccines to Consider

You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.

Influenza

Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.

Japanese encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis is a viral infection that can cause swelling of the brain. It is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Risk is low for most travellers. Vaccination should be considered for those who may be exposed to mosquito bites (e.g., spending a large amount of time outdoors) while travelling in regions with risk of Japanese encephalitis.

Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world.

If you are staying more than 4 weeks in this country, you may need a booster dose of the polio vaccine.

Proof of polio vaccination may be requested when you enter or leave the country.

See your health care professional to find out if you need the polio vaccine before your trip.

Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements

Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

Risk

There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.

Recommendation

Vaccination is not recommended.

* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

Food and Water-borne Diseases

Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.

In some areas in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera and hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in the Oceanic Pacific Islands. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!

Cholera

Risk

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

There is currently a risk of chikungunya in this country. Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Dengue fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Zika virus infection

Zika virus infection is a risk in this country. Recent or ongoing cases of Zika virus have been reported in this country.

Malaria

There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this country.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no vaccine against malaria.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. This includes covering up, using insect repellent and staying in enclosed air-conditioned accommodations. You may also consider pre-treating clothing and travel gear with insecticides and sleeping under an insecticide-treated bednet.

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. See a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic, preferably six weeks before you travel to discuss your options.

Animals

Animals and Illness

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Certain infections found in the Oceanic Pacific Islands, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.

Person-to-Person

Person-to-Person Infections

Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Good medical services and facilities are limited in availability. Quality of care varies throughout the country. Shortages of basic medical supplies are common. Specialist services are extremely limited, and there are long delays for emergency treatment.

There is only one hyperbaric (decompression) chamber in Papua New Guinea and it is currently out of order. There is no indication of when the chamber will be reactivated.

Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation.

Police roadblocks are common. You could be fined if your documents are not up-to-date.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Papua New Guinea.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Papua New Guinea, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Natural disasters & climate

Seismic and volcanic activity

Papua New Guinea is located in an active seismic and volcanic zone and is prone to earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

There are several active volcanoes throughout Papua New Guinea and eruptions occur regularly. In the event of an eruption, pay careful attention to all warnings issued, avoid restricted areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Heavy smoke and ash from volcanoes periodically lead to flight disruptions, particularly in the Rabaul region. In the event of a volcanic eruption, check with your carrier or tour operator to determine if the situation could affect your travel plans.

Seasonal risks

The rainy (or monsoon) season extends from December to March in the northwest and May to October in the southeast. Severe rainstorms can cause flooding and landslides, particularly on the Highlands Highway between Lae and Mount Hagen. Landslides can result in significant loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure and can hamper the provision of essential services. Water-borne diseases could also become a threat. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts, avoid disaster areas and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Assistance

Assistance

Local services

Emergency services

There is no centralized number to reach emergency services. Research and carry contact information for local police and medical facilities.

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Papua New Guinea. Canadians in Papua New Guinea can obtain consular assistance and further information from the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement.

Street AddressCommonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT, Australia 2600Telephone(61) 2 6270 4000Fax(61) 2 6270 4060Emailcnbra@international.gc.caInternetwww.australia.gc.caServicesPassport Services AvailableFacebookCanada Down UnderConsular servicesThe High Commission of Canada in Canberra issues passports to Canadian citizens in the states of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia; in the Australian Capital Territory; in Papua New Guinea; and in the Pacific islands in its jurisdiction (Guam, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, the Northern Marianas, Palau, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu).

For emergency consular assistance, call the High Commission of Australia in Port Moresby and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Risk Levels

Exercise normal security precautions

There are no significant safety and security concerns. The overall safety and security situation is similar to that of Canada. You should take normal security precautions.

Exercise a high degree of caution

There are identifiable safety and security concerns or the safety and security situation could change with little notice. You should exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country may be compromised.

Avoid non-essential travel

There are specific safety and security concerns that could put you at risk. You should reconsider your need to travel to the country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should reconsider whether or not you really need to be there. If not, you should consider leaving while it is still safe to do so. It is up to you to decide what “non-essential travel” means, based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with a country, territory or region, and other factors.

Avoid all travel

There is an extreme risk to your personal safety and security. You should not travel to this country, territory or region. If you are already in the country, territory or region, you should consider leaving if it is safe to do so.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.